Piece of sports apparatus and method for muscle exercises using the piece of sports apparatus

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a piece of sports apparatus comprising a hammer ( 1 ) with a hammer head ( 2 ) wherein a cavity ( 6 ) for receiving a weighting element ( 10 ) is formed and a lockable aperture ( 7 ) by means of which the weighting element ( 10 ) can be introduced into the cavity ( 6 ) and removed from the cavity ( 6 ), wherein the weighting element ( 10 ) is fixed in the cavity ( 6 ) if the aperture ( 7 ) is closed.

The invention relates to a piece of sports apparatus that is particularly suitable for muscle exercises, a use of said piece of sports apparatus as well as a method for muscle exercises using said piece of sports apparatus.

A selective muscle re-education always requires an effective stamina training of the musculature and is effected by the movement of the musculature. At that, muscle reeducation requires exertion of a certain force. The forces generated by the muscles are transmitted to objects, preferably simulators, and must be absorbed in these simulators and braced with counteracting forces. In competitive sport, here use is made of impact instruments, such as sledgehammers. With these hammers objects are hit what would lead to deformations and destructions. In order to escape this circumstance up to the destruction use is made of bodies capable of absorbing forces and converting kinetic energy with elasticity and friction into heat, so that no impairments or destructions at the simulators occur. In this way, training can be carried out in a narrowly defined room or area. Impact noises are generated only to small extent by the elastic bodies, preferably parts of gum, in particular even discarded tires, in a cost effective manner.

Success of stamina training requires precise adjustment of the employed pieces of sports apparatus to the individual characteristics of the person exercising. At the beginning of stamina training the forces that can be produced by the exercising person with its muscles are relatively small. Typically that's why stamina training is started with pieces of sports apparatus that require a low input of force, wherein during the training the input of force is supposed to be enhanced. For that, either another piece of sports apparatus must be used or the piece of sports apparatus has to be adjusted to the changing characteristics of the person exercising. However, not every piece of sports apparatus can be adjusted. The sledgehammers known from the prior art do not allow a modification. Additional weights cannot be attached to the sledgehammer with sufficient reliability with respect to the radial forces acting in training. Thus, use of another sledgehammer is required, which however is associated with additional costs.

It is an object of the invention to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art. More specifically, there is provided a piece of sports apparatus that is particularly suitable for muscle exercises and can be adjusted to the characteristics of the user.

This object is solved by the features of claims 1, 10, and 11. Practical embodiments of the invention result from the features of the dependent claims.

According to the invention there is provided a piece of sports apparatus comprising a hammer with a hammer head wherein a cavity for receiving a weighting element is formed and a lockable aperture by means of which the weighting element can be introduced into the cavity and taken out of the cavity, wherein the weighting element is fixed in the cavity if the aperture is closed.

If the cavity is closed the weighting element is fixed immovably in the cavity. If the cavity is open, then the weighting element can be taken out of the cavity or introduced into the cavity. Preferably, the weighting element is formed such that it can be inserted into the cavity accurately fitting. Preferably, the outer shape of the weighting element corresponds to the shape of the cavity, so that after closure of the cavity the weighting element is fixed form-closed therein.

Preferably, the geometric center of the cavity and the geometric center of the hammer head lie on the same point. With respect to the geometry of the hammer head the cavity should be formed centrally in the hammer head. Preferably, the cavity is equally spaced from all outsides of the hammer head. Preferably, the center of gravity of the hammer head lies in its geometric center.

In a preferred embodiment, the piece of sports apparatus according to the invention comprises several weighting elements with different weights. If the piece of sports apparatus according to the invention comprises several weighting elements, then the weighting elements form a set of weighting elements. There can only be one weighting element present in the cavity of the hammer head. This weighting element is chosen from the set of weighting elements.

Preferably, a set of weighting elements comprises a first weighting element with a basic weight. Then, each further weighting element of the set of weighting elements has a multiple of the basic weight, wherein the weights of the further weighting elements differ from each other. For example, the basic weight can be 1 lb (approx. 0.45 kg), i.e., the first weighting element has a weight of 1 lb. Further weighting elements can have weights of 2 lb (approx. 0.91 kg) and 5 lb (approx. 2.27 kg), respectively. Alternatively, weighting elements having the following weights may be provided: 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 lb (1.81, 2.72, 3.63, 5.44, 6.35, 7.26, 8.16, 9.07 kg). In a further alternative weighting elements are provided the weight of which is by 5 lb (2.27 kg) higher than the weight of the next lighter weighting element. The lightest weighting element has a basic weight and in this case, weighs for example 5 lb (2.27 kg). Of course, a set of weighting elements can also comprise weighting elements having weights that are no multiple of the basic weight. For example, weighting elements having a weight that is no multiple of the basic weight can be provided.

One exemplary first set of weighting elements can comprise weighting elements having the following weights: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 lb (0.91, 1.81, 2.72, 3.63, 4.54 kg). This set of weighting elements is particularly suitable for children.

One exemplary second set of weighting elements can comprise weighting elements having the following weights: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 18 lb (1.81, 2.72, 3.63, 5.44, 6.35, 7.26, 8.16 kg). This set of weighting elements is particularly suitable for adults.

All weighting elements should be substantially of the same shape in order to guarantee the interchangeability of the weighting elements. Weighting elements of different weights may be identified by different colors, for example yellow, red, blue, green, black etc. Further, the weighting elements can bear a declaration of their weight, for example as stamping, projecting relief, or label. The weighting elements can consist of materials of different densities.

The exchange of weighting elements allows a simple adjustment of the piece of sports apparatus according to the invention to changed characteristics of the user, for example to its increased muscle strength. That's why the piece of sports apparatus according to the invention can preferably be used for muscle re-education training.

Preferably, the hammer head has a first head section and a second head section that are detachable connected to each other. Here, it may be provided that in the first head section the cavity and the lockable aperture are formed, whereas the second head section forms the closure for the aperture. Preferably, the first head section can be connected to the second head section by means of a screwed connection. For that, in the inner circumferential surface of the first head section, adjacent to its front side having the aperture, there can be formed a female thread into which a male thread can engage that is formed on the head section.

The hammer head should be sized as small as possible to avoid any risk of injury.

In addition to the hammer head the hammer comprises a hammer handle attached to the hammer head. For that, a socket can be provided in the hammer head wherein the end of the hammer handle is fixed. Preferably, the socket for the hammer handle is in the geometric center of an outer surface of the hammer head, preferably in the outer surface with the largest area. For fixation of the hammer handle in the socket there can be provided a screwed connection. If the hammer head has a substantially cylindrical shape then this outer surface is the circumferential surface of the cylinder.

The hammer handles can be of different lengths with one hammer handle each being fixed in the socket of the hammer head. In this way, the length of the hammer handle of a hammer provided according to the invention can be adapted to the needs of the user. For this purpose, the hammer handle can detachable be attached in the hammer head. Alternatively, the piece of sports apparatus according to the invention can comprise several of the hammers according to the invention with the hammers having different hammer handle lengths. In this case, the hammer handles preferably are permanently connected to the hammer head.

In the above-mentioned first set of weighting elements there may be provided three hammer handles of different lengths: a first hammer handle with a length of 24 in (approx. 61 cm) if a weighting element having a weight of 2 or 4 lb is fitted into the hammer head; a second hammer handle with a length of 28 in (approx. 71 cm) if a weighting element having a weight of 6 or 8 lb is fitted into the hammer head; and a third hammer handle with a length of 34 in (approx. 86 cm) if a weighting element having a weight of 10 lb is fitted into the hammer head.

In the above-mentioned set of second weighting elements there may also be provided three hammer handles of different lengths: a first hammer handle with a length of 24 in (approx. 61 cm) if a weighting element having a weight of 2 or 4 lb is fitted into the hammer head; a second hammer handle with a length of 30 in (approx. 76 cm) if a weighting element having a weight of 6 or 8 lb is fitted into the hammer head; and a third hammer handle with a length of 36 in (approx. 91 cm) if a weighting element having a weight of 10. 12, 14, 16, or 18 lb is fitted into the hammer head.

The hammer handle can be provided with a jacket made of a damping material, such as for example gum or another elastic material. Preferably, the jacket is located at points where the user will typically touch the hammer handle with his hands when he uses the piece of sports apparatus in accordance to its purpose. Preferably, the jacket is formed at the end of the hammer handle that is not or is not intended to be fixed in the socket of the hammer head. It is however preferred that the entire hammer handle, except of the section that is inserted into the socket, is jacketed with a damping material. It is also preferred that also the outer surfaces of the hammer head are provided with a jacket made of the damping material, except for the socket for the hammer handle. Here, it must be ensured that the aperture of the hammer head can be both, opened and closed. If both the entire hammer handle and the outer surfaces of the hammer head are provided with a jacket made of the damping material, then after fixation of the hammer handle in the socket of the hammer head the entire hammer is jacketed with the damping material. The damping material shall damp the impulse that can be applied by the hammer onto a surface.

In its outer shape the hammer according to the invention can look like a known sledgehammer. The hammer according to the invention can be employed as sledge hammer.

In addition to the hammer and one or more weighting elements the piece of sports apparatus according to the invention can further comprise an impact mat for damping or receiving the impulse generated by the hammer. The impact mat can be a rubber mat. The user of the piece of sports apparatus applies his hammer blows onto the impact mat. In that occasion, the impact mat can be placed on the floor or fixed to a wall. Depending on the expected effort of the user it may be provided that several of the same impact mats are superposed on each other.

The hammer, the weighting element(s) and if present the impact mat(s) constitute the components of the piece of sports apparatus. Here, exactly one weighting element can be present in the hammer head. Preferably, the impact mat(s) are arranged such that a user during the training can strike the hammer head with its front side onto a flat side of the impact mat or, if several impact mats are superposed on each other, onto the outer flat side of the outer impact mat. In this context, the distance between the impact mat(s) and the position of the user is determined by his height, the length of the hammer handle and the way the user is swinging the hammer. The determination of this distance can easily be done by each user himself. The relation between the weighting elements that are not present in the hammer head and the hammer are not spatially defined. Preferably, they are outside the user's radius of action during his exercises, but preferably in the same room or in a room that is immediately adjacent to his radius of action.

According to the invention there is further provided the use of the piece of sports apparatus according to the invention for muscle exercises, in particular for muscle reeducation training. In particular, the muscle exercises can be performed for nontherapeutic purposes.

By means of the piece of sports apparatus according to the invention the user can perform physical exercise by swinging the hammer provided according to the invention and in doing so repeatedly striking the hammer head onto a surface, for example the surface of an impact mat. For these hammer blows the user needs strength produced by his muscles and that he exerts on the surface. The strength needed depends on the weight of the weighting element present in the cavity of the hammer head, and on further circumstances, for example the height of the user, the length of the hammer handle, the grip with which the user holds the hammer, and the movement of a hammer blow. In the following, there are described exercises that can be performed with the piece of sports apparatus, wherein other exercises may also be provided.

First exercise: If the hammer blows are stricken onto substantially horizontal surfaces, for example the floor or an impact mat lying on the floor, then the movement as core movement includes an upswing wherein the hammer head is stricken from the bottom to the top, and a downswing wherein the hammer head is stricken from the top to the bottom. Here, the up and downswings are substantially performed in a nearly vertical plane on a circular path having a rotational axis running nearly parallel to the horizontal surface. Here, the hammer head is stricken in a lumberjack style over the head or at the height of the head passing it. On the upswing, in particular the muscles of the forearms, shoulders, the lower back, and the hamstrings are strained. On the downswing, in particular the muscles of the forearms, latissimus dorsi, and abdominal muscles are strained. In both cases, also biceps and triceps are strained as supporting muscles. Stabilization of the hammer during the hits, in particular balancing the back stroke of a hammer blow, particularly strains the rotator cuffs of the upper arms.

Second exercise: If the hammer blows are exerted on a vertical surface or on a surface inclined by up to 45° to the perpendicular with the lower end of the surface preferably being less spaced from the user of the piece of sports apparatus according to the invention than the upper end, then, on the upswing, the hammer head is stricken away from the surface, but less from the bottom to the top, but in a rather horizontal plane on a circular path the axis of which lies nearly parallel to the vertical or inclined surface. The same also applies to the downswing, with the difference that the hammer head is stricken towards the surface. In these movements, the rotator cuffs of the trunk are more strained than with hammer blows exerted on a horizontal surface. With vertical or inclined surfaces strain of the hip and the oblique muscles is greatly increased. Adductors and abductors of the hip are stretched more. Moreover, the mid trapezius muscle of the back is more stretched by performing the hammer blows in the rather horizontal plane. If the swinging movements are performed in a manner typical of baseball, then a higher shoulder activity is required.

The term “rather” is intended to express that the movements are not ideally performed in a horizontal plane or vertical plane, but that deviations in striking the hammer head from these planes are to be expected.

Third exercise: It is possible to perform a combination of these movements. For example, on the upswing the hammer head may be stricken away from the lower end of a vertical or inclined surface to the top and back on the downswing. As a result, there is performed a movement typical of hitting a golf ball. Here, the rotator cuffs of the trunk are more strained than with the movements in a vertical plane. Hips and oblique muscles are greatly strained. Adductors and abductors of the hip are more stretched. Moreover, the mid trapezius muscle of the back is more stretched by performing the hammer blows in the rather horizontal plane. Most rotator cuffs are strained.

Preferably, the exercises are united into one group. Then, from this group one or more exercises can be chosen.

Finally, according to the invention there is provided a method for muscle exercises using a piece of sports apparatus according to the invention comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) inserting a weighting element by means of the lockable         aperture into the cavity of the hammer head;     -   (b) closing the lockable aperture of the hammer head to fix the         weighting element in the hammer head; and     -   (c) exerting one or more hits with the hammer.

Preferably, in step (c) the hits are exerted on the impact mat. It may further be provided that the choice of a weighting element having the desired weight precedes step (a) and that subsequent to step (c) the following steps are provided:

-   -   (d) opening the lockable aperture of the hammer head;     -   (e) removing the weighting element present in the cavity;     -   (f) choosing another weighting element the weight of which         differs from the weight of the weighting element removed in         step (e) and repeating steps (a) to (c).

Hereinafter, the invention is explained with the help of examples not intended to it the invention with respect to the drawings. Here,

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a hammer according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the embodiment of the hammer shown in FIG. 1 in the opened state without weighting element;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the embodiment of the hammer shown in FIG. 1 in the closed state with weighting element;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a further embodiment of the hammer in the closed state with a weighting element;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of a piece of sports apparatus according to the invention with a hammer, a set of weighting elements, and an impact mat; and

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show flow diagrams illustrating methods for the use of the piece of sports apparatus according to the invention for muscle exercises.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show an embodiment of the hammer of the piece of sports apparatus according to the invention. The hammer 1 includes a hammer head 2 consisting of a first head section 3 and a second head section 4. In FIGS. 1 and 3, the first head section 3 is screwed together with the second head section 4 indicated by a separation line 5. The hammer head 2 is connected to a hammer handle 8.

The hammer head 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape with the edges between its front sides and its circumferential surface being flattened.

In FIG. 2, showing the hammer head 2 in the opened state, it can be seen that the hammer head 2 is in a cavity 6. The cavity 6 is formed in the first head section 3. The second head section 4 has been unscrewed from the first head section to open the aperture 7 by means of which a weighting element 10 can be inserted into and removed from the cavity 6. The aperture 7 is formed in the front side of the first head section 3 which after screwing both head sections 3, 4 faces the second head section 4. In FIG. 3, showing the hammer head 2 in the closed state, it can be seen that the weighting element is fixed in the hammer head 2 such that it cannot move there relative to the hammer head.

FIGS. 2 and 3 each are sectional views along the longitudinal axis of the hammer handle 8. One end of the hammer handle 8 is screwed into socket 9 that is formed geometrically centered in the circumferential surface of the hammer head 2.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a hammer of the piece of sports apparatus according to the invention. This embodiment corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, except that additionally a jacket 11 made of gum is provided which is at the end of the hammer handle 8 that is turned away from the hammer head 2. Alternatively, the hammer 1 may completely be provided with a jacket.

In FIGS. 3 and 4. the weighting element 10 that is immovably fixed in the cavity 6 has a weight of “2 lb” (approx. 0.91 kg), It is therefore labeled with the indication “2 lb”. According to the invention there may be provided further weighting elements one of which can be present in the cavity 6 of the hammer head 2. According to the invention there may be provided one or more impact mats.

As shown in FIG. 5, the piece of sports apparatus according to the invention can comprise a hammer 1, a set of weighting elements, and an impact mat 12. The set of weighting elements comprises several weighting elements of different weight, wherein for simplification the representation in FIG. 5 shows only three weighting elements: a first weighting element 10 a with a weight of 1 lb; a second weighting element 10 b with a weight of 2 lb, and a third weighting element 10 c with a weight of 5 lb. The hammer 1 corresponds to the hammer 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In FIG. 5, the topside 14 of the impact mat 12 is shown. Preferably, the hits of exercising persons are exerted on this topside.

A method for muscle exercises using the piece of sports apparatus shown in FIG. 5 can be performed as shown in FIG. 6 a. First, the piece of sports apparatus shown in FIG. 5 is provided 101, wherein preferably still no weighting element 10 is introduced in the hammer head of the hammer 1. If there would be already a weighting element 10, it is removed from the hammer 1 unless it is the weighting element 10 a that is chosen by the coach or the person exercising in the subsequent step 102 from the set of weighting elements 13. Then, the chosen weighting element 10 a in inserted into the hammer head of the hammer 1 103. Finally, one or more hits are exerted with the hammer 1 on the impact mats 12 104. The way the hits are performed may be according to guidelines that describe how to make the hit. These guidelines are referred to as exercises, wherein various exercises can be performed with the hammer. Thus, step 104 can comprise the individual steps shown in FIG. 6 b.

In FIG. 6 b it is shown how to make the choice of the exercises. The groups of exercises from which the exercise is chosen comprises for example the first exercise, the second exercise, and the third exercise the course of which has been described above. From this group, the coach or the person exercising chooses the exercises 201, for example the first exercise. Then, the person exercising performs this exercise for one or two times 202. If the exercise should not be repeated any longer, so the coach or the person exercising can choose another exercise 203, for example the third exercise. Then, the exercise is performed for one or several times 202, and without changing the weighting element.

If the coach or the person exercising wishes to continue the training with another weighting element, then another weighting element can be chosen from the set of weighting elements 105 (for example weighting element 10 b) and after removal of the first weighting element 10 from the hammer head of the hammer 1 can be inserted into the hammer head 106. Finally, again one or more hits with the hammer 1 onto the impact mat 12 can be exerted 107. The hits may be exerted in accordance to the guidelines from the group of exercises. Thus, step 107 can comprise the individual steps shown in FIG. 6 b.

LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS

-   1 Hammer -   2 Hammer Head -   3 First Head Section -   4 Second Head Section -   5 Separation Line -   6 Cavity -   7 Aperture -   8 Hammer Handle -   9 Socket for the Hammer Handle in the Hammer Head -   10 Weighting Element -   11 Jacket -   12 Impact Mat -   13 Set of Weighting Elements -   14 Topside of the Impact Mat 

1. A piece of sports apparatus comprising a hammer (1) with a hammer head (2) wherein a cavity (6) for receiving a weighting element (10) is formed and a lockable aperture (7) by means of which the weighting element (10) can be introduced into the cavity (6) and taken out of the cavity (6), wherein the weighting element ( )) is fixed in the cavity (6) if the aperture (7) is closed.
 2. The piece of sports apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer shape of the weighting element (10) corresponds to the shape of the cavity (6).
 3. The piece of sports apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of weighting elements (10) having different weights.
 4. The piece of sports apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of weighting elements comprise a first weighting element (10) having a first weight and a second weighting element (10) having a weight that is an integer multiple of the first weight, wherein the first weight is not the same as the second weight.
 5. The piece of sports apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the hammer head (2) has a first head section (3) and a second head section (4) that is detachably connected to the first head section, wherein in the first head section (3) there are formed the cavity (6) and the lockable aperture (7) and the second head section (4) is formed as a closure for the aperture (7).
 6. The piece of sports apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first head section (3) is connected to the second head section (4) by means of a 30 screwed connection.
 7. The piece of sports apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the hammer (1) further comprises a hammer handle (8) that is connected to the hammer head (2) and has a jacket (11) made of a damping material.
 8. The piece of sports apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the hammer (1) is provided with a jacket made of a damping material.
 9. The piece of sports apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an impact mat for receiving an impulse produced with the hammer (1).
 10. (canceled)
 11. A method for exercising muscles comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sports apparatus comprising a hammer head (2) comprising a cavity (6) and a lockable aperture (7); (b) inserting a first weighting element (10) by means of the lockable aperture (7) into the cavity (6) of the hammer head (2) of the hammer (1); (c) closing the lockable aperture (7) of the hammer head (2) to fix the first weighting element (10) in the hammer head (2); (d) exerting one or more hits with the hammer (1).
 12. The method according to claim 11 wherein step (d) comprises the step of: exerting the one or more hits with the hammer onto an impact mat.
 13. The method according to claim 11 wherein: prior to step (b) the method comprises the step of: selecting the first weighting element (10) to have a desired weight; after step (d) the method comprises the steps of: (e) opening the 5 lockable aperture (7) of the hammer head (2); (f) removing the first weighting element (10) from the cavity (6); (g) choosing a second weighting element (10) the weight of which differs from the weight of the first weighting element (10); (h) closing the lockable aperture (7) of the hammer head (2) to fix the second weighting element (10) in the hammer head (2); and, (i) exerting one or more hits with the hammer (1).
 14. The piece of sports apparatus according to claim 2 comprising a plurality of weighting elements (10) having different weights.
 15. The piece of sports apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the hammer head (2) has a first head section (3) and a second head section (4) that is detachably connected to the first head section, wherein in the first head section (3) there are formed the cavity (6) and the lockable aperture (7) and the second head section (4) is formed as a closure for the aperture (7)
 16. The piece of sports apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the hammer (1) further comprises a hammer handle (8) that is connected to the hammer head (2) and has a jacket (11) made of a damping material.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein step (a) comprises the steps of: providing the hammer head to comprises a first head section (3) that comprises the cavity (6) and a second head section (4) that is formed as a closure for the lockable aperture (7); and, connecting the first head section (3) to the second head section (4).
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of connecting the first head section (3) to the second head section (4) comprises the step of: using screws to connect the first head section (3) to the second head section (4). 